At once both a cinematic cityscape and a grimy urban front line, Rio de Janeiro, known as the cidade maravilhosa (marvelous city), is nothing if not exhilarating. Flanked by gorgeous mountains, white-sand beaches and verdant rainforests fronting deep blue sea, Rio occupies one of the most spectacular settings of any metropolis in the world. Tack on one of the sexiest populations on the planet and you have an intoxicating tropical cocktail that leaves visitors punch-drunk on paradise.

With the seductive sounds of samba as their rallying cry, Rio’s residents, known as cariocas, have perfected the art of living well. From the world-famous beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema to the tops of scenic outlooks of Corcovado and Pão de Açúcar to the dance halls, bars and open-air cafes that proliferate the city, cariocas live for the moment without a care in the world. This idea of paradise has enchanted visitors for centuries, and there are dozens of ways to be seduced. You can surf great breaks off Prainha, hike through Tijuca’s rainforests, sail across Guanabára, dance the night away in Lapa or just people-watch on Ipanema Beach.

While Rio has its share of serious problems, there are plenty of residents – expats included – who wouldn’t dream of relocating. It’s no coincidence Christo himself sits arms outstretched across the city, either.

Festa de Iemanjá

Iemanjá is the Goddess of the Water, the mother of all the gods in the Umbanda religion of Brazil. She is offered flowers, gifts, perfume and rice which are set into little boats and cast adrift into the sea, or else tossed directly into the water.

Rio for Honeymooners

A honeymoon in Brazil offers both exciting urban experiences and the laid-back vacation of a romantic oceanside getaway. Along the Rio de Janeiro coast run two famous beaches: Copacabana and Ipanema. Their sparkling white sand and cobalt sea are lined with charming hotels and outdoor cafés.

Rio de Janeiro New Year's Eve

New Year's Eve is Rio de Janeiro's second most popular holiday. Like Carnival, New Year's Eve (or Réveillon) requires advance planning and August is a great time to get started, as that's when several hotels release their New Year's packages.

Rio Carnival

Carnival in Brazil – it is an event in which millions of people dream to get. Every year in February, before Lent, the whole Brazil, is being seized by the continuous thunder of drums, batter inflammatory rhythm of samba, is immersed in the most bustling, bright and cheerful holiday, a grand show on the planet. Carnival in Rio – the most organized of them. Also, the carnival is held in Salvador da Baia.

Rio: World's Best Gay Destination

TOP 10 Rio de Janeiro Restaurants

The only way to handle Rio de Janeiro's vast array of good restaurants is by writing several lists. This one is based on two of the most prestigious sources of travel and entertainment information in Brazil: Guia Brasil Quatro Rodas and Revista Veja. Here, you will find links to some of Rio's top restaurants, ranging from upscale to casual, in different food categories.

Introduction to Rio de Janeiro

Casual enough to be known worldwide by its first name, Rio has established a reputation that borders on the mythical. The allure of Copacabana , Sugar Loaf, Carnival and the Christ on Corcovado keeps tourism thriving, in spite of the city's well-known struggle with social disparity, the chaotic growth of its slums, and related safety issues.